The Zero Units Fought for the C.I.A. in Afghanistan. In the U.S., They’re Living in Fear.

NYT Homepage

by Matthieu Aikins and Wesley Morgan

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A shooting in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan immigrant who was part of the Zero Units—a shadow army funded by the CIA—has brought attention to a little-known aspect of America’s war in Afghanistan. The incident has also raised concerns about the immigration status of other former members of these units, many of whom were evacuated to the U.S. during the withdrawal in 2021. Mohammad Iqbal, once a commander of over 1,000 soldiers, now works in maintenance in California and was shocked when he learned that one of his former comrades, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had been involved in the attack. The shooting has sparked a broader conversation about the role of these units and their ties to U.S. intelligence efforts. The Zero Units were a covert group of Afghan soldiers who fought alongside American forces but operated under CIA direction. Iqbal and other former members revealed that they were surprised by how little most Americans knew about their existence, even as they contributed to the war effort. After the withdrawal from Afghanistan, many of these fighters and their families were brought to the U.S., but their lives remain precarious due to their immigration status. The shooting has further complicated their situation, with some facing potential deportation or heightened scrutiny. The incident has also highlighted the broader implications of the U.S. military’s reliance on such shadow forces. These units operated in secret for years, and their existence was only brought to light after the attack. The response from President Trump, who announced a "permanent pause on third-world migration," has added another layer of uncertainty for these individuals. Their story sheds light on the hidden costs of war and the challenges faced by those who are left behind after conflicts end. This article provides a rare glimpse into the lives of these Afghan fighters and their struggles to rebuild in the U.S. It also underscores the importance of understanding the complexities of modern warfare and its long-term effects on individuals caught between two worlds. For readers interested in news, this story offers a compelling look at the intersection of national security, immigration, and the human cost of war.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026